Two deputies accused of smuggling contraband into jails

Two Erie County Sheriff’s deputies were arrested Saturday and charged with smuggling contraband into the county’s jails, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The arrests follow unrelated monthlong investigations by the Sheriff’s Narcotic Unit, acting on a confidential tip, Sheriff Timothy B. Howard said in a news release.

Charles P. Hunt Jr., 49, who was arrested Saturday in Erie County Holding Center, was charged with first-degree possessing dangerous contraband in prison, a class D felony, and misdemeanor criminal possession of marijuana, according to the report.

Eric Stevens, 33, of Cheektowaga, was arrested after completing his shift at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden and charged with a felony count of introducing contraband into a prison. authorities said.

Both suspects are being held in City of Buffalo lockup pending arraignment Sunday in Buffalo City Court.